 |
Vanguard ETF: |  |
7.4%* |
|
Diversified Core: | |
8.1%* |
|
Six Core Asset ETFs: | |
7.3%* |
Articles on VGIT
- Schwab Mutual Funds Beat out ETFs
04/06/2011
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Retirement investing is a "hair on fire" problem -- especially for baby boomers for whom retirement is a near and present danger. There is a real lack of consistent, unbiased information that a retiree can use to help improve risk adjusted returns. Blogger Jenny Hollingworth has been teaching herself about investing and has come to the point where she is going to choose a plan and make her first investments.
In her recent post New Steps she sorted through a list of alternatives and chose the Schwab OneSource Select List Funds.
The reason for her choice was:
- The highest possible rating for each plan is 5 stars. So I bypassed anything that didn’t have 5 (because really, why go for less?)
- Picked out a name I knew: Schwab. Specifically: Schwab OneSource Select List Funds. I selected it.
- This is an application to Charles Schwab's OneSource Select List mutual funds. These funds are No Load and No Transaction Fee (NTF) mutual funds. Based on Schwab's policy, the no load NTF funds have 90 days redemption fee period. As of 1/1/2010, there are total 140 OneSource Select List funds available from Schwab.
We are going to review the Schwab OneSource Select List Funds to see whether she chose a good plan. The plan consists of 137 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 6 major assets: US Equity, Commodity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income.
Asset Class Ticker Name LARGE VALUE AAGPX American Beacon Lg Cap Value Inv Foreign Large Value AAIPX American Beacon Intl Equity Inv Retirement Income AANPX American Beacon Retire Inc & Apprec Inv High Yield Muni ABHYX American Century High-Yield Muni Inv Inflation-Protected Bond ACITX American Century Infl-Adj Bond Inv Muni National Long ACLVX American Century Long-Term Tax-Free Inv MID-CAP VALUE ACMVX American Century Mid Cap Value Inv Conservative Allocation AONIX American Century One Choice: Vry Cnsrv I MID-CAP VALUE ARDEX Aston/River Road Dividend All Cap Val N Target Date 2011-2015 ARFIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2015 Inv Retirement Income ARTOX American Century LIVESTRONG Inc Inv Target Date 2021-2025 ARWIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2025 Inv Target Date 2031-2035 ARYIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2035 Inv SMALL VALUE AVPAX American Beacon Small Cp Val Inv EUROPE STOCK AXEAX Threadneedle European Equity A Muni National Interm BMBSX Baird Intermediate Muni Bd Inv Technology BOGSX Black Oak Emerging Technology Small Growth BSCFX Baron Small Cap Moderate Allocation BUFBX Buffalo Balanced Technology BUFTX Buffalo Science & Technology DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS CEMVX Causeway Emerging Markets Investor MID-CAP BLEND CHTTX Aston/Optimum Mid Cap N Intermediate Government CPTNX American Century Government Bond Inv Small Growth CSMVX Century Small Cap Select Inv REAL ESTATE CSRSX Cohen & Steers Realty Shares Long-Short CVSIX Calamos Market Neutral Income A SMALL BLEND DISSX Dreyfus Small Cap Stock Index Bank Loan EABLX Eaton Vance Floating Rate Adv Conservative Allocation EXDAX Manning & Napier Pro-Blend Cnsrv Term S Foreign Large Blend EXWAX Manning & Napier World Opportunities A Moderate Allocation FAGSX First American Strat Growth Allc A Financial FBRSX FBR Small Cap Financial ULTRASHORT BOND FEUGX Federated Adjustable Rate Secs Instl Intermediate Government FICMX Federated Income Instl Muni National Interm FIMTX Federated Intermediate Municipal Instl LARGE BLEND FMIHX FMI Large Cap Long-Short FMLSX Wasatch-1st Source Long/Short SHORT GOVERNMENT FSGVX Federated US Govt 1-3 Yr Instl Muni Short FSHIX Federated Shrt-Interm Dur Muni Instl Short-Term Bond FSTIX Federated Short-Term Income Instl Intermediate-Term Bond FTRFX Federated Total Return Bond Instl Svc SMALL BLEND GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth AAA Communications GABTX GAMCO Global Telecommunications AAA LARGE GROWTH HCAIX Harbor Capital Appreciation Inv Foreign Large Blend HIINX Harbor International Inv WORLD STOCK HLMGX Harding Loevner Global Equity Advisor Foreign Large Growth HLMNX Harding Loevner International Equity Inv Equity Energy ICENX ICON Energy S China Region ICHKX Guinness Atkinson China & Hong Kong LARGE VALUE INDZX RiverSource Diversified Equity Inc A Moderate Allocation JABAX Janus Balanced T Health JAGLX Janus Global Life Sciences T LARGE GROWTH JAMRX Janus Research T Small Growth JATTX Janus Triton T Foreign Large Blend JETAX Artio International Equity II A Target Date 2021-2025 JNSAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2025 A LARGE BLEND JRMSX INTECH Risk-Managed Core T Target Date 2011-2015 JSFAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2015 A Target Date 2026-2030 JSMAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2030 A Target Date 2016-2020 JTTAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2020 A LARGE BLEND JUEAX JPMorgan US Equity A LARGE VALUE JVLAX JHancock3 Disciplined Value A Small Growth KGSCX Kalmar Growth-with-Value Small Cap LARGE GROWTH LGILX Laudus Growth Investors US Large Cap Gr WORLD BOND LIFNX Laudus Mondrian Intl Fixed Income Foreign Large Blend LISOX Lazard Intl Strategic Equity Open Multisector Bond LSBRX Loomis Sayles Bond Retail DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA MAPIX Matthews Asia Pacific Equity Income PACIFIC/ASIA EX-JAPAN STK MAPTX Matthews Pacific Tiger Investor China Region MCHFX Matthews China Investor Muni National Interm MITFX Marshall Intermediate Tax-Free Inv JAPAN STOCK MJFOX Matthews Japan Investor Foreign Large Blend MKIEX McKee International Equity Instl DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA MPACX Matthews Asia Pacific Investor High Yield Bond MWHYX Metropolitan West High Yield Bond M Short-Term Bond MWLDX Metropolitan West Low Duration Bond M Intermediate-Term Bond MWTRX Metropolitan West Total Return Bond M MID-CAP BLEND NMMCX Northern Multi-Manager Mid Cap SMALL VALUE NOSGX Northern Small Cap Value Muni National Long NOTEX Northern Tax-Exempt Small Growth NSPAX ING Small Cap Opportunities A Foreign Small/Mid Value OAKEX Oakmark International Small Cap I WORLD STOCK OAKGX Oakmark Global I COMMODITIES BROAD BASKET PCRDX PIMCO Commodity Real Ret Strat D Emerging Markets Bond PEMDX PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond D LARGE BLEND PEOPX Dreyfus S&P 500 Index WORLD BOND PFODX PIMCO Foreign Bond (USD-Hedged) D Intermediate-Term Bond PGBOX JPMorgan Core Bond A Multisector Bond PONDX PIMCO Income D LARGE BLEND PRBLX Parnassus Equity Income - Inv Inflation-Protected Bond PRRDX PIMCO Real Return D SMALL VALUE PSOAX JPMorgan Small Cap Value A Intermediate-Term Bond PTTDX PIMCO Total Return D SMALL BLEND RYTFX Royce Total Return Svc Intermediate-Term Bond SAMIX RidgeWorth Intermediate Bond I Foreign Large Blend SICNX Schwab International Core Equity Inst Foreign Large Blend SIEIX RidgeWorth Intl Equity Index I ULTRASHORT BOND SIGVX RidgeWorth US Gov Sec Ultra-Short Bd I Target Date 2031-2035 SRJAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2035 A DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS SSEMX SSgA Emerging Markets Instl High Yield Bond STHTX RidgeWorth High Income I Muni National Interm STTBX RidgeWorth Investment Grade T/E Bond I LARGE BLEND SWANX Schwab Core Equity Inv Global Real Estate SWASX Schwab Global Real Estate Select Target Date 2026-2030 SWDRX Schwab Target 2030 LARGE VALUE SWDSX Schwab Dividend Equity Financial SWFFX Schwab Financial Services Target Date 2011-2015 SWGRX Schwab Target 2015 Intermediate Government SWGSX Schwab GNMA Long-Short SWHEX Schwab Hedged Equity Health SWHFX Schwab Health Care Target Date 2021-2025 SWHRX Schwab Target 2025 Intermediate-Term Bond SWIIX Schwab Premier Income Instl Foreign Large Blend SWISX Schwab International Index Retirement Income SWKRX Schwab Monthly Income Enh Payout Retirement Income SWLRX Schwab Monthly Income Max Payout LARGE GROWTH SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Foreign Large Growth SWMIX Laudus International MarketMasters Sel Small Growth SWMSX Laudus Small-Cap MarketMasters Select Muni National Interm SWNTX Schwab Tax-Free Bond Moderate Allocation SWOBX Schwab Balanced Inv LARGE BLEND SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index SMALL BLEND SWSSX Schwab Small Cap Index LARGE GROWTH TGCNX TCW Select Equities N Mid-Cap Growth TGDNX TCW Growth Equities N EQUITY PRECIOUS METALS TGLDX Tocqueville Gold LARGE BLEND TICRX TIAA-CREF Social Choice Eq Retail LARGE GROWTH TIRTX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Retail LARGE GROWTH TWCGX American Century Growth Inv Muni National Interm TWTIX American Century Interm-T Tx-Fr Bd Inv SHORT GOVERNMENT TWUSX American Century Short-Term Govt Inv LARGE VALUE TWVLX American Century Value Inv Foreign Large Value TWWDX Thomas White International Foreign Large Growth UMBWX Scout International SMALL VALUE VSFAX Federated Clover Small Value A Mid-Cap Growth WTMGX Westcore MIDCO Growth LARGE VALUE YAFFX Yacktman Focused Asset Class Number of funds Balanced Fund 21 REITs 2 Fixed Income 34 Commodity 1 Sector Fund 9 Foreign Equity 18 Emerging Market Equity 7 US Equity 41 Other 4 Total 137
As of Apr 5, 2011, this plan investment choice is rated as above average based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are . It has the following detailed ratings:Diversification -- Rated as great (98%)
Fund Quality -- Rated as average (54%)
Portfolio Building -- Rated as great (86%)
Overall Rating: above average (80%)Portfolio Discussions
The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 6 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:
US Equity: SPY or VTI
Commodity: DBC
Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
REITs: IYR or VNQ or ICF
Emerging Market Equity: EEM or VWO
Fixed Income: AGG or BND
Performance chart (as of Apr 5, 2011)Performance table (as of Apr 5, 2011)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe Schwab OneSource Select List Funds Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 13% 106% 10% 91% 13% 110% Schwab OneSource Select List Funds Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 12% 152% 4% 32% 7% 52% Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 10% 81% 9% 82% 13% 89% Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 121% 4% 20% 7% 34% With six asset classes and a wide number of funds, the returns beat the six asset class benchmark. With high scores in all categories, this plan delivers portfolios that have produced strong historical returns.
Symbols: SPY, VTI, EFA, VEU, EEM, VWO, IYR, VNQ, ICF, AGG, BND, DBC, HYG, JNK, PHB, AOM, AOK, CIU, BIV, ITM, MUB, TFI, PZA, MLN, IYH, IXJ, VHT, XBI, PBE, DBR, RYH, EFG, IXP, PTE, DGG, LTL, MTK, PTF, DBT, RYT, ROM, GWL, PFA, IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV, SCZ, EFV, PID, DWM, IYF, VFH, IPF, PFI, DRF, RYF, IFGL, RWX, TZE, TZG, TZI, TZO, TZL, IGOV, BWX, WIP, IVV, IYY, IWV, VV, DLN, RSP, SCHX, IOO, VT, SHY, SHV, VGSH, PLK, USY, IEV, VGK, PEF, DEB, IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG, IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU, IJH, IWR, JKG, VO, MDY, EMM, PJG, DON, EZM, MVV, IJS, IWN, JKL, VBR, DSV, PWY, RZV, UVT, IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA, GMM, PXH, DEM, SCHE, GBF, LAG, PCY, CSJ, BSV, VCSH, ITE, IXC, IPW, DBE, RYE, DKA, IEI, VGIT, IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW, IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK, TIP, DBP, EPP, VPL, GMF, PAF, AAXJ, DND, EWJ, JPP, PJO, DXJ, GSG, BIL
Disclosure:
MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.
Originally from the UK, Jenny Hollingworth lives with her husband and two sons in Northern California. She is a wife, mother, writer, theatre director, coffee drinker, avid reader, keen walker, movie watcher, Jane Austen lover and observer of life, in no particular order. MyPlanIQ has no formal relationship with Jenny Hollingworth.
- Schwab Select ETF Plan Has Bright Prospects
04/06/2011
Schwab ETF Plan Has Good Pedigree and Bright Prospects Retirement is now a "hair on fire" problem. There is much talk of working longer, downsizing, living on less. However, there is something you can do to help improve your risk adjusted returns. Look at your portfolios and plans to build a diversified portfolio with a systematic investment strategy.
This is not as hard as you might think -- to highlight this point, we feature a plan created by a non professional that matches up well with any of the other plans. Kevin Carr. is an individual investor who employs a long term strategy. He manages an individual common stock portfolio as well as many plans on MyPlan IQ. If you have any questions regarding this plan please contact him.
This plan provides you with Schwab's experts’ top picks of low-cost ETFs representing approximately 50 ETFs, based on rigorous criteria including expenses, tracking error, trading volume, and more. Schwab ETFs trade commission free. There are no redemption periods so you can start today and not worry about holding periods.We report on this Schwab ETF Select List which consists of 49 funds. These funds give exposure to 6 major assets: US Equity, Commodity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income.
Asset Class Ticker Name LARGE BLEND SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF LARGE GROWTH SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF LARGE VALUE SCHV Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF MID-CAP BLEND VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF Mid-Cap Growth VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF MID-CAP VALUE VOE Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF SMALL BLEND SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF Small Growth VBK Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF SMALL VALUE VBR Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF LARGE BLEND SCHB Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF LARGE VALUE VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF Foreign Large Blend SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF Foreign Large Growth EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Foreign Large Value EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index FOREIGN SMALL/MID GROWTH SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Eq ETF DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF Foreign Large Blend VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF WORLD STOCK VT Vanguard Total World Stock Index ETF EUROPE STOCK VGK Vanguard European ETF DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA VPL Vanguard Pacific Stock ETF JAPAN STOCK EWJ iShares MSCI Japan Index China Region GXC SPDR S&P China Intermediate-Term Bond BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF SHORT GOVERNMENT SCHO Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF Intermediate Government SCHR Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Trsy ETF LONG GOVERNMENT TLH iShares Barclays 10-20 Year Treasury Bd Inflation-Protected Bond SCHP Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF Intermediate-Term Bond CIU iShares Barclays Intermediate Credit Bd High Yield Bond JNK SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond WORLD BOND BWX SPDR Barclays Capital Intl Treasury Bond Muni National Long MUB iShares S&P National AMT-Free Muni Bd Consumer Discretionary XLY Consumer Discret Select Sector SPDR Consumer Staples XLP Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Equity Energy XLE Energy Select Sector SPDR Financial XLF Financial Select Sector SPDR Health XLV Health Care Select Sector SPDR Industrials XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Natural Resources XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR Technology XLK Technology Select Sector SPDR Communications IYZ iShares Dow Jones US Telecom Utilities XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR COMMODITIES BROAD BASKET DBC PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking Commodities Agriculture DBA PowerShares DB Agriculture Commodities Precious Metals IAU iShares Gold Trust Commodities Industrial Metals DBB PowerShares DB Base Metals Commodities Energy USL United States 12 Month Oil MISCELLANEOUS SECTOR PFF iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index REAL ESTATE VNQ Vanguard REIT Index ETF Asset Class Number of funds Balanced Fund 0 REITs 1 Fixed Income 9 Commodity 5 Sector Fund 11 Foreign Equity 8 Emerging Market Equity 3 US Equity 11 Other 1 Total 49 Many are looking for access to a well rounded ETF plan through Schwab. This fills this hole and as Schwab makes more of their own funds available, it will be possible to move them into the plan. On this review, the only comment would be to add another REIT choice. The other asset classes have a good number of selections without being overwhelming.
As of Apr 4, 2011, this plan investment choice is rated as above average based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are . It has the following detailed ratings:
Diversification -- Rated as great (99%)
Fund Quality -- Rated as average (47%)
Portfolio Building -- Rated as average (56%)
Overall Rating: above average (66%)
Thehigh diversification score means that all the major and minor asset classes have been ticked. Fund quality is lower because some of the ETF's don't have a long history but that shouldn't impede the ability for the future.
Portfolio Discussions
The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 6 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:
US Equity: SPY or VTI
Commodity: DBC
Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
REITs: IYR or VNQ or ICF
Emerging Market Equity: EEM or VWO
Fixed Income: AGG or BND
Performance chart (as of Apr 4, 2011)Performance table (as of Apr 4, 2011)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe Schwab ETF Select List Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 9% 82% 8% 72% 12% 89% Schwab ETF Select List Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 118% 3% 15% 4% 20% Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 9% 81% 10% 82% 13% 89% Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 121% 4% 20% 7% 34%
This portfolio performs well against the six asset ETF benchmark- SAA provides lower volatility while albeit delivering lower historical returns but as more of the newer funds are applied to the portfolio, there will be more opportunity for closing the gap
- The TAA portfolios run neck and neck over the five year period
In a future article, we will review performance over the last three months to see how the plan has performed in the light of recent events.
Kay Takeaways- Building a plan of funds is not the preserve of the few -- anybody who has the interest and application to research can provide well constructed plans
- It is possible to benefit from those individuals while still having transparency and not being captive to any particular broker
Symbols: SPY, VTI, EFA, VEU, EEM, VWO, IYR, VNQ, ICF, AGG, BND, DBC, HYG, JNK, PHB, CIU, BIV, MUB, TFI, PZA, MLN, GII, PUI, DBU, RYU, UPW, IYH, IXJ, VHT, XBI, PBE, DBR, RYH, EFG, IXP, PTE, DGG, LTL, IYM, IGE, VAW, XLB, XME, PYZ, DBN, RTM, UYM, MTK, PTF, DBT, RYT, ROM, GWL, PFA, IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV, EFV, PID, DWM, IYF, VFH, IPF, PFI, DRF, RYF, KXI, VDC, PSL, DPN, RHS, RXI, VCR, IYJ, EXI, VIS, IGOV, BWX, WIP, IVV, IYY, IWV, VV, DLN, RSP, SCHX, IOO, VT, SHY, SHV, VGSH, PLK, USY, TLT, TLH, IEF, EDV, VGLT, TLO, PLW, IEV, VGK, PEF, DEB, IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG, IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU, IJH, IWR, JKG, VO, MDY, EMM, PJG, DON, EZM, MVV, IFSM, VSS, SCHC, IJS, IWN, JKL, VBR, DSV, PWY, RZV, UVT, IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA, GMM, PXH, DEM, SCHE, ITE, IXC, IPW, DBE, RYE, DKA, IEI, VGIT, IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW, IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK, TIP, EPP, VPL, GMF, PAF, EWJ, JPP, PJO, DXJ, GSG
Disclosure:
MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.
- E-Trade ETF Plan Hits Most of the High Notes
02/16/2011
ETrade All-Star ETF plan has recently been announced as no/low cost ETF plans become increasingly widespread. The company has attempted to make their selection on criteria such as low expense ratio, tracking error, liquidity, style purity, underlying holdings, and how well the ETF represents the index it seeks to replicate. In addition, ETFs chosen are passively managed, have at least 6-months trading history and are sponsored by a well balanced investment firm.
The growth in number of ETFs are such that many of them are still new. In our analysis, we ignore ETF's that have less than one year's history which may negatively impact returns in the short term but, over time, they will come on-line and provide greater diversification.The plan consists of 40 funds giving exposure to 5 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income.
Asset Class Ticker Name LARGE BLEND RSP Rydex S&P Equal Weight LARGE BLEND SPY SPDR S&P 500 LARGE GROWTH IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index LARGE GROWTH MGK Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Gr Index ETF LARGE VALUE IWD iShares Russell 1000 Value Index LARGE VALUE DIA SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average LARGE VALUE VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF LARGE VALUE MGV Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Value Index ETF MID-CAP BLEND VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF Mid-Cap Growth VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF MID-CAP VALUE VOE Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF SMALL BLEND IWM iShares Russell 2000 Index Small Growth IWO iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index SMALL VALUE IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value Index Emerging Markets Bond EMB iShares JPMorgan USD Emerg Markets Bond Emerging Markets Bond PCY PowerShares Emerging Mkts Sovereign Debt High Yield Bond HYG iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bd High Yield Bond JNK SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond Inflation-Protected Bond TIP iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Intermediate Government IEI iShares Barclays 3-7 Year Treasury Bond Intermediate Government AGZ iShares Barclays Agency Bond Intermediate Government ITE SPDR Barclays Capital Interm Term Trs Intermediate-Term Bond AGG iShares Barclays Aggregate Bond Intermediate-Term Bond CFT iShares Barclays Credit Bond Intermediate-Term Bond BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF Intermediate-Term Bond BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF LONG GOVERNMENT TLH iShares Barclays 10-20 Year Treasury Bd Long-Term Bond BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index ETF SHORT GOVERNMENT SHY iShares Barclays 1-3 Year Treasury Bond Short-Term Bond BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF WORLD BOND BWX SPDR Barclays Capital Intl Treasury Bond WORLD BOND BWZ SPDR Barclays Cap S/T Intl Treasury Bond WORLD BOND WIP SPDR DB Intl Govt Infl-Protected Bond DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS BIK SPDR S&P BRIC 40 DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS VWO Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock ETF Foreign Large Blend EFA iShares MSCI EAFE Index Foreign Large Value IDV iShares Dow Jones Intl Select Div Idx Foreign Small/Mid Value SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index Global Real Estate RWO SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate REAL ESTATE RWR SPDR Dow Jones REIT This is a good selection of funds which hit the main notes -- good choices in fixed income and the US and choices for international and domestic real estate as well as multiple selections in Foreign and emerging market classes.
The US selections have one in the top ten performance ranking and so US there is room for improvement there.
TKRNameRank5 Yr AR%3yr AR%1yr AR%MPIQ ScoreIWOiShares Russell 2000 Growth53.73%5.45%39.77%55.4%VOVanguard Mid-Cap ETF123.60%3.05%36.00%47.8%VOTVanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF130.00%3.26%42.68%47.6%IWNiShares Russell 2000 Value Index181.61%3.65%32.80%41.5%RSPRydex S&P Equal Weight193.45%3.58%27.38%39.7%IWMiShares Russell 2000 Index202.26%3.50%29.63%39.4%VOEVanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF220.00%2.95%29.26%33.7%DIASPDR DJ Industrial Average274.35%0.33%19.15%28.3%IWFiShares Russell 1000 Growth Index293%2.21%17.76%26.4%SPYSPDR S&P 500302.07%-0.11%21.68%25.7%IWDiShares Russell 1000 Value Index361.14%-2.81%18.67%16.7%MGKVanguard Mega Cap 300 GrowthNRVMGVVanguard Mega Cap 300 ValueNRVVYMVanguard High Dividend Yield IndxNRV
NRV means not ranked because the trading volume was below our cutoff
There is no commodity alternative. This may have been less important in the past, but with inflation almost inevitable, a commodities option such as DBC would make sense.As of Feb 15, 2011, this plan investment choice is rated as average based on MyPlanIQ's plan rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are .
It has the following detailed ratings:
Diversification -- Rated as great (89%)
Fund Quality -- Rated as below average (17%)
Portfolio Building -- Rated as average (42%)
Overall Rating: average (49%)It is important to note that the fund quality rating is lower because of the lack of history -- as time marches on and the ETFs create more of a trail, we expect that rating to increase.
Portfolio Discussions
The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 5 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:
US Equity: SPY or VTI
Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
REITs: IYR or VNQ or ICF
Emerging Market Equity: EEM or VWO
Fixed Income: AGG or BND
Performance chart (as of Feb 15, 2011)Performance table (as of Feb 15, 2011)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe Etrade All Star ETFs Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 117% 9% 69% 11% 71% Etrade All Star ETFs Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 16% 146% 2% 12% 5% 19% Five Core Asset ETF Benchmark Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 124% 8% 65% 11% 72% Five Core Asset ETF Benchmark Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 19% 157% 4% 18% 6% 24% Currently Real Estate, US Equity and Commodities are doing well. US Equity and Real Estate available to Etrade All Star ETFs participants.
The plan runs neck and neck with the benchmark but we would expect it to pull away as more of the funds establish history and can be used in the portfolio.
To summarize, Etrade All Star ETF plan ticks most of the boxes but would be strengthened by adding commodity choices.
Disclosure:
MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.
Symbols:SPY,VTI,EFA,VEU,EEM,VWO,IYR,VNQ,ICF,AGG,BND,HYG,JNK,PHB,CIU,BIV,GWL,PFA,IVE,IWW,JKF,VTV,ELV,PWV,RPV,SCHV,SCZ,EFV,PID,DWM,IFGL,RWX,IGOV,BWX,WIP,IVV,IYY,IWV,VV,DLN,RSP,SCHX,SHY,SHV,VGSH,PLK,USY,TLT,TLH,IEF,EDV,VGLT,TLO,PLW,IVW,IWZ,JKE,VUG,ELG,QQQQ,RPG,SCHG,IJJ,IWS,JKI,VOE,EMV,PWP,RFV,UVU,IJH,IWR,JKG,VO,MDY,EMM,PJG,DON,EZM,MVV,IJS,IWN,JKL,VBR,DSV,PWY,RZV,UVT,IJR,IWM,JKJ,VB,DSC,PJM,DES,SAA,UWM,SCHA,GMM,PXH,DEM,SCHE,CLY,LQD,BLV,VCLT,PCY,CSJ,BSV,VCSH,IEI,VGIT,ITE,IJK,IWP,VOT,EMG,PWJ,RFG,UKW,IJT,IWO,JKK,VBK,DSG,PWT,RZG,UKK,TIP,DBC
labels:IRA,Retirement,Investment,ETF,Portfolio,construction,
- United Airlines Upgrades their 401K Plan
11/13/2010
We recently published a summary of the United Airlines 401K plan. Subsequent to this, United Airlines informed us that they have upgraded their plan in October 2010 and we now review the new plan.
The upgraded plan has 21 funds --little changed in number. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 3 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, Fixed Income -- again the same as the last plan.We will compare the old and new funds as they both have similar composition.
Asset Class New Plan Old Plan U.S. Equity Excluding Company Stock 6 6 International Equity 2 2 Balanced Funds 3 4 Fixed Income 4 3 Target Date 5 6
As of Nov 11, 2010, the new plan's investment choice is rated as above average based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are.Plan Rating Attribute New Plan Old Plan Diversification 77% 43% Fund Quality 86% 20% Portfolio Building 76% 42% Overall Rating 79% 35%
This is a significant jump across the board without introducing a lot more funds. The key reasons for the improvement are:- US and international equities have large, medium and small cap alternatives whereas previously it was just large cap stock
- The fixed income choices are higher quality
This should be a well performing three asset class plan.
Performance chart (as of Nov 10, 2010)
Performance table (as of Nov 10, 2010)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 6% 53% 6% 67% 9% 92% United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 8% 89% 0% -0% 5% 29% United Airline 401K Plan 2010 Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 8% 92% 6% 78% 10% 114% United Airline 401K Plan 2010 Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 12% 123% 3% 23% 8% 57%
If we now compare this to the Kellogg plan as we did in the last article:
Performance chart (as of Nov 11, 2010)Performance table (as of Nov 11, 2010)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe United Airline 401K Plan 2010 Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 8% 92% 6% 78% 10% 114% United Airline 401K Plan 2010 Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 12% 123% 3% 23% 8% 57% Kellogg 401k Plan Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 2% 19% 4% 45% 8% 72% Kellogg 401k Plan Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 13% 100% 3% 16% 8% 43% We can see that the United Plan now nudges ahead of the Kellog plan in terms of risk adjusted returns over the last five years.
Kudos to United in recognizing that their 401K plan needed to be improved and providing a free upgrade for its employees.
labels:investment,
Symbols:AGG,AOK,AOM,BIV,BND,CIU,DLN,DRF,EFA,ELG,ELV,GWL,IEI,IPF,ITE,IVE,IVV,IVW,IWV,IWW,IWZ,IYF,IYY,JKE,JKF,K,PFA,PFI,PLK,PWV,QQQQ,RPG,RPV,RSP,RYF,SCHG,SCHV,SCHX,SHV,SHY,SPY,TZD,TZE,TZI,TZO,UAUA,USY,VEU,VFH,VGIT,VGSH,VTI,VTV,VUG,VV,
- United Airlines 401K Flies Above the ETF Benchmark, But Below Kellogg
11/12/2010
United Airlines (UAUA) Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan's 401K plan consists of 22 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 3 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, Fixed Income.
Summary
US Equity 7 funds (including company stock)
International Equity 2 funds
Balanced Funds 4 funds
Fixed income 3 fund
Target date 6 fundsIf the company's stock is excluded (better left for an employee stock purchase plan) as well as the target date funds (which can't be effectively leveraged in a portfolio), the participant is left with 15 funds in three asset classes.
We compare this with the Kellogg (K) plan, which has three asset classes -- so that we can see what contributes to higher performance portfolio. In this case, Kellogg only has seven funds with a very limited choice in fixed income and international asset classes.
Asset Class United Airlines Kellogg U.S. Equity Excluding Company Stock 6 5 International Equity 2 1 Balanced Funds 4 Fixed Income 3 1 Target Date 6
The list of minor asset classes covered:Conservative Allocation: AOK
Financial: IYF, VFH, IPF, PFI, DRF, RYF
Foreign Large Blend: EFA, VEU, GWL, PFA
Intermediate Government: IEI, VGIT, ITE
Intermediate-term Bond: AGG, CIU, BIV, BND
Large Blend: IVV, IYY, IWV, VTI, VV, SPY, DLN, RSP, SCHX
Large Growth: IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG
Large Value: IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV
Moderate Allocation: AOM
Retirement Income:
Short Government: SHY, SHV, VGSH, PLK, USY
Target Date 2000-2010: TZD
Target Date 2011-2015: TZE
Target Date 2021-2025: TZI
Target Date 2031-2035: TZO
Target Date 2041-2045:
Us Equity: IVV, IYY, IWV, VTI, VV, SPY, DLN, RSP, SCHXAs of Nov 8, 2010, this plan investment choice is rated as averagebased on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are. We compare the detailed ratings with the Kellogg plan.
Plan Rating Attribute United Airlines Kellogg Diversification 43% 13% Fund Quality 20% 99% Portfolio Building 42% 47% Overall Rating 35% 53% The key difference between the two plans is that the United plan has more lower quality funds, whereas the Kellogg plan has fewer higher quality plans. In the end, the Kellogg plan wins the ratings battle, but we should wait to see what that means in returns.
The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies (SAA and TAA, both provided by MyPlanIQ). For comparison purposes, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 3 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan. This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:
US Equity: SPY or VTI
Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
Fixed Income: AGG or BNDPerformance chart (as of Nov 8, 2010)
click to enlarge
Performance table (as of Nov 8, 2010)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 8% 71% 6% 62% 10% 94% United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 10% 103% 0% -3% 5% 30% Three Core Asset ETF Index Funds Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 2% 19% 3% 29% 5% 48% Three Core Asset ETF Index Funds Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 13% 106% 1% 3% 5% 21%
Currently, asset classes in US Equity (SPY, VTI), Foreign Equity (EFA, VEU) and Fixed Income (AGG, BND) are doing relatively well. These asset classes are available to United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan participants.The United plan outperforms the 3 Asset SIB (as did the Kellogg plan), let's now see how the two plans compare directly.
Performance chart (as of Nov 8, 2010)
Performance table (as of Nov 8, 2010)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 8% 71% 6% 62% 10% 94% United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 10% 103% 0% -3% 5% 30% Kellogg 401k Plan Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 4% 35% 4% 42% 8% 73% Kellogg 401k Plan Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 15% 115% 3% 15% 8% 45% The Kellogg portfolios outperform the United portfolios based on superior fund quality.
To summarize, United Airlines Flight Attendant 401(k) Plan plan participants can achieve reasonable investment returns by adopting asset allocation strategies that are tailored to their risk profiles.
Improving the number of asset classes and quality of funds would enable portfolios to deliver better returns.
labels:investment,
Symbols:AGG,AOK,AOM,BIV,BND,CIU,DLN,DRF,EFA,ELG,ELV,GWL,IEI,IPF,ITE,IVE,IVV,IVW,IWV,IWW,IWZ,IYF,IYY,JKE,JKF,K,PFA,PFI,PLK,PWV,QQQQ,RPG,RPV,RSP,RYF,SCHG,SCHV,SCHX,SHV,SHY,SPY,TZD,TZE,TZI,TZO,UAUA,USY,VEU,VFH,VGIT,VGSH,VTI,VTV,VUG,VV,
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10/19/2010
- Apache Design Solutions 401K Report On 12/03/2010
12/03/2010
This report reviews Apache Design Solutions 401K plan. We will discuss the investment choices and present the plan rating by MyPlanIQ. Current economic and market conditions are discussed in the context of the investment portfolios in the plan. We will then show how participants in Apache Design Solutions 401K can achieve reasonable investment results using asset allocation strategies.
Plan Review and Rating
Apache Design Solutions 401K's 401K plan consists of 42 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 5 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income. The list of minor asset classes covered:
Conservative Allocation: AOK
Diversified Emerging Mkts: EEM, GMM, PXH, DEM, SCHE
Foreign Large Blend: EFA, VEU, GWL, PFA
Foreign Small/mid Growth: IFSM, VSS, SCHC
Health: IYH, IXJ, VHT, XBI, PBE, DBR, RYH
Intermediate Government: IEI, VGIT, ITE
Intermediate-term Bond: AGG, CIU, BIV, BND
Large Blend: IVV, IYY, IWV, VTI, VV, SPY, DLN, RSP, SCHX
Large Growth: IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG
Large Value: IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV
Mid-cap Growth: IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW
Mid-cap Value: IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU
Moderate Allocation: AOM
Natural Resources: IYM, IGE, VAW, XLB, XME, PYZ, DBN, RTM, UYM
Real Estate: IYR, ICF, VNQ
Retirement Income:
Small Blend: IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA
Small Growth: IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK
Small Value: IJS, IWN, JKL, VBR, DSV, PWY, RZV, UVT
Target Date 2016-2020: TZG
Target Date 2026-2030: TZL
Target Date 2036-2040: TZV
World Stock: IOO, VT
As of Dec 2, 2010, this plan investment choice is rated as based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that measures the effectiveness of a plan's available investment funds. It has the following detailed ratings:
Diversification -- Rated as (85%)
Fund Quality -- Rated as (18%)
Portfolio Building -- Rated as (79%)
Overall Rating: (62%)Current Economic and Market Conditions
We have experienced an uncertain 2010: plenty of worries on whether the US economy will climb out of the great recession and recover.
- The Federal Reserve embarked on Quantitative Easing II (QE2) to stimulate the economy.
- The housing market is still at its low but largely stabilized.
- The unemployment rate is stuck at 9%.
Americans continue to face an uncertain future, given (among others) the high unemployment rate, large federal and local government debts and global trade imbalance. With such an economic backdrop, the stock and debt markets are going to be volatile. Despite this, markets have been resilient and appear positioned to rebound.
In this market it is even more critical to properly diversify and respond market changes. MyPlanIQ offers two asset allocation strategies: strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies ( SAA and TAA for participants in Apache Design Solutions 401K).
Strategic Asset Allocation is based on well known modern portfolio theory and its key features include: diversification, proper fund selection and periodically re-balancing.
Tactical Asset Allocation works on a diversified array of assets provided by funds in a plan and adjusts asset mixes based on market conditions such as asset price momentum utilized by TAA.
Portfolio Discussions
The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 5 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:
US Equity: (SPY or VTI)
Foreign Equity: (EFA or VEU)
Emerging Market Equity: (EEM or VWO)
REITs: (IYR or VNQ or ICF)
Fixed Income: (AGG or BND)
Performance chart (as of Dec 2, 2010)Performance table (as of Dec 2, 2010)
Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe Apache Design Solutions 401K Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 15% 100% 8% 64% 11% 81% Apache Design Solutions 401K Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 16% 155% 4% 22% 8% 44% Five Core Asset Index ETF Funds Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 9% 59% 7% 57% 14% 94% Five Core Asset Index ETF Funds Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 12% 95% 4% 14% 8% 35% Currently, asset classes in US Equity (SPY,VTI) and Emerging Market Equity (EEM,VWO) are doing relatively well. These asset classes are available to Apache Design Solutions 401K participants.
To summarize, Apache Design Solutions 401K plan participants can achieve reasonable investment returns by adopting asset allocation strategies that are tailored to their risk profiles.
Symbols: APA , SPY , VTI , EFA , VEU , EEM , VWO , IYR , VNQ , ICF , AGG , BND , AOM , AOK , CIU , BIV , IYH , IXJ , VHT , XBI , PBE , DBR , RYH , IYM , IGE , VAW , XLB , XME , PYZ , DBN , RTM , UYM , GWL , PFA , IVE , IWW , JKF , VTV , ELV , PWV , RPV , SCHV , TZG , TZL , TZV , IVV , IYY , IWV , VV , DLN , RSP , SCHX , IOO , VT , IVW , IWZ , JKE , VUG , ELG , QQQQ , RPG , SCHG , IJJ , IWS , JKI , VOE , EMV , PWP , RFV , UVU , IFSM , VSS , SCHC , IJS , IWN , JKL , VBR , DSV , PWY , RZV , UVT , IJR , IWM , JKJ , VB , DSC , PJM , DES , SAA , UWM , SCHA , GMM , PXH , DEM , SCHE , IEI , VGIT , ITE , IJK , IWP , VOT , EMG , PWJ , RFG , UKW , IJT , IWO , JKK , VBK , DSG , PWT , RZG , UKK
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